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I want to get a Bigsby for my Les Paul, using a Vibramate, which is designed for the B7, but looking at bigsby.com I like the look of the B12, i think it would suit the flame top of the LP better. Is there a functional difference between the 2 models? do they have the same dimensional specs?

B7 and B12 same with tension bar. I like the hole in the middle that shows off the top of the guitar more. I have a gold one with some of the gold worn off a bit which would look good if your LP isn't mint pristine and has gold hardware. If your interested in a Gold one let me know.

I am just giving my opinion as to what I noticed when I installed a B7 on my Les Paul.The angle from the tension bar to the bridge seemed really close,too steep of an angle for me to be comfortable with.I know that is the model given for the LP,but I've heard of B3's used,giving proper string angle and traditional looks,without having to drill holes in the top.Hope that helps.

I have never had any guitar with the Bigsby tension bar (b5, b7, b12) that felt as good as the ones without the tension bar. I do not like them and will never have another guitar again with one. Over the years I have had a G&L ASAT, Fender Tele a Rickenbacker and a Gibson ES335, Guild Starfire IV all with tension bar Bigsbys. I am now selling the last one I will ever have it has a B5 it is a Les Paul copy string angle is like yours to steep and to close to the bridge the Teles were like that as well. They feel stiff and do not feel as fluid and natural as the ones without the tension bar (B3 or B6) they feel forced in my opinion compared to the non tension bar Bigsby. You do not need much of a string angle for a Bigsby anyway. Look at some early guitars with Bigsbys they didn't have tension bars and had a very very slight string angle. Here are pics of the very slight string angle on my guitars Gretsch G6121, Guild X500, Guild Starfire III, and an old Kay archtop. They all work perfectly fine and feel very natural when used.

You are so right and I am so wrong. Thanks for not telling me I didn't know what I was talking about, cause you would so be right. This is the first time I have ever been wrong. Once I thought I was wrong but found out I wasn't.
I have now looked at the vibramate site and it looks pretty cool. I would definately go that route since you don't have to screw into you guitar. You would also know whether you liked the Bigsby or not. As far as the B12 I would email vibramate and ask. It looks like the small hinge is different on the B12. The B12 sure would show off a nice flame top and look nicer than the B7. Sorry, I was wrong again with my first quick post, and welcome to the forum. rcboals AKA: Mr. Know it All